Continuous Miner Operator

A continuous miner operator was mining in the number one entry when employee was struck by a rock in by permanent roof supports. This resulted in a fatality.

On May 14, 2021, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Joseph G. Guzzo, a 32-year-old continuous mining machine operator with approximately 11 years of mining experience, died when a portion of the mine roof fell on him. The accident occurred as he was operating the continuous mining machine (CMM) by remote control while he was under unsupported roof. The accident occurred because the mine operator: 1) had a practice of exceeding the maximum depth of cut requirements specified in the approved roof control and ventilation plans, 2) did not install unsupported roof warning signs or streamers, and 3) allowed the CMM operator to travel and work under unsupported roof.

Read the full report (PDF)

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Continuous Miner

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

FACE

Mining method

Continuous Mining

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

11 years

Experience at this mine

2 years

Experience in this job

9 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY